Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Business Services, the Director of Finance is responsible for fiscal oversight, budgeting, financial reporting, and monitoring of state and federal programs. The position will supervise the daily operations, functions, and staff of the Business Office. Duties of the job also include the preparation and coordination of audits; account reconciliation; cash flow and revenue analysis; in addition to the coordination of financial projects, including enrollment projections, budgeting, audit, tax levy analysis in coordination with the Executive Director of Business Services. Duties of the job also include:

• Monitors District budgets, revenues, expenditures, and cash flows, and legislative proposal impacts for federal and state programs (i.e., Title, Integration, Compensatory, English Learner, and Alternative Compensation) and provides reports to administrators and officials of the district.
• Assists in the preparation of budget projection models used in determining the district's financial strategies.
• Supervises the monitoring and update of the district's revenue and expenditure budget.
• Oversees work methods, procedures, and techniques employed by the department in the areas of accounting, purchasing, payroll, and benefits; interprets accounting rules, regulations, and guidelines for staff.
• Assists the Executive Director of Business Services in developing, preparing, and monitoring the District budget.
• Assists in developing budget assumptions, resource allocation, and final budget expenditure budgets.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to develop and monitor staffing projections and models.
• Coordinate the annual budget timeline and monitor progress and process improvement.
• Prepares monthly Board budget reports in conjunction with the Senior Accountant.
• Coordinate with the senior accountant regarding the required activities for the annual audit and the preparation of audit work papers/schedules.
• Performs special projects as assigned or other comparable duties of a like or similar nature as assigned.
• Oversees, participates in, and monitors staff activities and operations involved in the ongoing district's financial and accounting processes, such as:
• Cash flow projection models
• Collection and proper deposit and accounting of District revenues and receipts.
• Disbursements of funds and claims of the district.
• Accounting functions and activities to ensure all revenues and expenditures are reported in compliance with regulations, rules, and guidelines (e.g., UFARS, state or federal rules and regulations).
• Bidding process and purchasing activities of the district.
• Supervises and directs department personnel and defines job duties and responsibilities of department staff; performs formal performance reviews of staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of accounting, auditing, purchasing, and benefits administration principles.
• Knowledge of business principles, school finance, and financial management.
• Knowledge of and the ability to use appropriate computer software, such as spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
• Knowledge of MARSS, UFARS, GAAP accounting principles, guidelines, and rules, and GASB rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of District administrative guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, rules, statutes, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to areas of responsibility.
• Skills in communication and training staff to prepare reports, and to collaborate with all levels of District staff in the planning, integration, and support of accounting throughout the district.
• Skills in interpreting and applying regulations, rules, and standards impacting department operations and activities.
• Skilled in the use of accounting analysis and projection techniques and procedures in analyzing cash flow requirements, revenue projections, budget requirements, and other financial projections.
• Ability to prepare, maintain accounting processes and procedures associated with the maintenance of the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, purchasing, fixed assets, and benefits administration.
• Ability to use and apply accounting and financial software and programs in the preparation and maintenance of accounting records.
• Ability to develop and implement accounting controls, procedures, and methods consistent with acceptable accounting procedures and processes.
• Ability to prepare various local, state, or federal accounting/fiscal reports.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and directs the work of the Business Office staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years related professional experience performing accounting and financial functions or training as determined by Human Resources.

BENEFIT INFORMATION

St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.